2024 NYC Essay Scholarship Winner

Eric Lau

AI in Law Scholarship Essay

Recent years have seen a revolution in the use of generative artificial intelligence across multiple fields. In particular, AI and the use of chatbots like ChatGPT have become widely explored in education. This includes law school education, which has traditionally been perceived as “stuck” in centuries-old pedagogical methods like the Socratic Method.

AI in Legal Research

Legal research and analysis have long been a meticulous process, requiring hours of scrutinizing precedent and cross-checking case citations. With AI-powered tools, this process has become significantly expedited. AI can now execute analysis in a fraction of the time, analyzing countless cases and extracting key rules or contract provisions.

AI in Legal Education

Law schools are integrating AI to improve learning. AI provides instant feedback on legal documents, highlights weaknesses in arguments, and even scores practice exams in real-time. Platforms like LexisNexis and Westlaw have incorporated AI-driven features to enhance research efficiency.

Ethical and Accuracy Concerns

Despite its advantages, AI-generated legal information can sometimes be inaccurate or fabricated, leading to ethical violations. A recent case saw a lawyer sanctioned for using falsified AI-generated case law. The over-reliance on AI may also impede original thinking and rationalization skills.

AI and the Legal Profession

Some worry that AI could replace human lawyers. While AI enhances efficiency, law remains a human-centric profession. Face-to-face client interactions, emotional intelligence, and ethical considerations are irreplaceable aspects of legal work.

Embracing AI in Law

Despite challenges, the legal field must adapt. AI streamlines tedious tasks, improves legal research, and enhances decision-making. Since AI tools rely on machine learning, they will only become faster and more powerful, making it crucial for legal professionals to integrate AI effectively.

Conclusion

As AI reshapes the legal landscape, law schools and professionals must learn to harness its potential. The future of law lies in a balanced collaboration between human expertise and AI efficiency, ensuring ethical and effective legal services.